Originally Posted by trmcgeehan
Last year, I cycled 1,700 miles. My goal for this year is 2,000, but I am way off pace. I only have 600 miles in the books, and here it is May 21. My average speed is also down. Last year, I averaged 13.5 mph over hilly Kentucky terrain. This year, my average so far is 12.75, using the same bike (a 1980 Univega 12 speed). At age 67, is this the way it's supposed to go? Slower and less mileage every year? Depressing!
Average of only 12.75 at age 67, and on an old bike at that? I give you 9 years and if I was on a bike like that I would be happy to keep up that speed.
All of us like to think that if we train hard enough and long enough, we will not lose the fitness that we used to have. It doesn't work like that, as you are now realising. Those hills do get longer and steeper, we want lower gears, and if the weather isn't right or the dog wants a walk, we don't get out on the bike quite so often.
I realise that I only have a few years in which I will be able to enjoy the type of riding I do, so I am lucky in that I am out there doing it now. Regretfully there will come a time when I will be too slow for the group I ride with. Its about time I looked for an older group to ride with and found an easier form of riding. Any one got a trike I can borrow for that inevitable day?
Look up. We all get slower as we get older, Just keep riding and enjoy what you can do. Never know, perhaps you will have a friend that wants to get fit so you will have to slow down to his pace, just to show him hows its done.